Experience authentic Zhejiang cuisine at Lou Wai Lou in Hangzhou, China.
Nestled in the heart of Hangzhou, Lou Wai Lou stands as a beacon of traditional Zhejiang culinary art. Its menu showcases an exquisite selection of dishes, masterfully blending local ingredients and time-honored techniques. Whether you seek the tangy sweetness of classic fish dishes or the rich, aromatic flavors unique to this region, this restaurant promises a memorable dining experience.
starters and light bites
Begin your meal with delicate options like the refreshing West Lake Beef Soup, a savory broth enriched with tender beef, silky egg ribbons, and a touch of fresh ginger and scallion that awakens the palate.
main courses
The mains are a celebration of Zhejiang’s rich culinary heritage. Try the iconic West Lake Vinegar Fish, where fresh fish is simmered in a harmonious blend of vinegar, sugar, ginger, and garlic, creating a perfectly balanced sweet and sour profile. The Dragon Well Shrimp showcases succulent shrimp sautéed with fragrant Longjing tea leaves and Shaoxing wine, delivering an elegant infusion of local flavors.
For lovers of hearty, comforting dishes, the Dongpo Pork offers melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly infused with Shaoxing wine, soy sauce, and aromatic spices. The Oil-Braised Spring Bamboo shoots are a vegetarian delight, featuring tender bamboo shoots glazed in a savory soy and ginger sauce. Don't miss the Crispy Deep-Fried Pork Bellows for a playful texture contrast, or the Lotus Leaf Steamed Pork that envelops tender pork with fragrant rice flour and lotus leaf aroma.
The Beggar’s Chicken is a showstopper specialty, where a whole chicken is marinated with fragrant herbs, wrapped in lotus leaves, and slow-cooked to tender perfection in earth clay, delivering an earthy aroma and rich taste that’s deeply rooted in local tradition. The Honey-Glazed Ham is another highlight, marrying sweet honey and savory soy for a luscious finish.
desserts
Conclude your feast with the fragrant Osmanthus Lotus Root dessert, a traditional sweet featuring lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice, delicately scented with osmanthus blossoms and sweetened just right, providing a refreshing and authentic Zhejiang sweet note.
drink pairings and specials
Enhance your meal with local delicacies such as freshly brewed Longjing tea, renowned for its delicate aroma and smooth finish, perfectly complementing the subtle flavors of Zhejiang cuisine. Seasonal specials often feature rare regional ingredients, showcasing the chef’s innovative take on classic dishes that highlight the freshest produce from Hangzhou’s fertile lands.
- West Lake Vinegar Fish – A signature Hangzhou dish of fresh fish simmered in a tangy blend of vinegar, sugar, and ginger.
- Dragon Well Shrimp – Plump shrimp sautéed with fragrant Longjing tea and Shaoxing wine for a delicate flavor.
- Dongpo Pork – Rich and tender braised pork belly infused with Shaoxing wine and spices.
- Osmanthus Lotus Root Dessert – A sweet treat of lotus root stuffed with glutinous rice, scented with osmanthus flowers.
